skip to main content

here we go again...

12 years ago

Well several years ago I repowered my 33" snapper zrider with a 19hp B&S single engine. It has run well, plenty of power however the whole time I have fought wiring and charging issues. The mower is 15 years old and the connections and wiring issues have started to add up. Recently though it would not start, not even turn over with a jumper cable. So I pulled the plug and was surprised to find it was soaking wet from water. We just recently had high winds from tornados that passed by within a few miles. the dealer told me he has heard of rain being blown into the cyl either from the muffler or a loose fitting intake. This motor seems to have the same crappy ill fitting air filter that I have heard of on the ELS engines, and I did leave it out in the weather... but has anyone ever heard of this? Should I repower again or give up and upgrade? I am thinking if I repower, I might bite the bullet and replace all the battery cables as well as the wiring harness. I am sure it needs a starter solenoid at this point since it will not turn over with the key but will if I use a screwdriver to short across the big terminals on the solenoid.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

rustyj14
12 years ago
Eight words of wisdom: "I did leave it out in the weather!"
How old is the battery? More than 2 years? Ever change or clean the air filter? Or, does it even have the original one on it? A new spark plug in the last few years? Ever change the oil? More than one time? Ever install a new battery-ever-or just keep recharging it? Can you afford a nice plastic tarp to cover it up in case of rain or snow? Does the hood have slots in it, above the engine? The rain falls mainly on the plain, but it also runs into the flywheel area, and rusts the ignition parts, making the engine into a non-running lump of scrap steel!
I just can't understand why folks will buy a nice, new, lawn tractor, or any other expensive piece of equipment, and then let it sit outside, uncovered, in rain, snow, heat, or all of the above, and allow nature to make it into a haven for animals, effectivly shortening its life, and then loudly proclaim they have bought a piece of junk!
bill_kapaun
12 years ago
Why not try getting this engine to run and see how bad it is?

IF you need a new solenoid, you still need it if you repower.

I'd pull the spark plug and squirt some oil in the cylinder.
Crank the engine over to distribute it some.

You probably want to drain the fuel system & change oil & filter.Maybe you'll get lucky??
Related Discussions
Here we go again...
Q
Comments (25)
I also got Lakeside Dimpled Darling, Silver Kabitan, Hidden Cove and Ruffed Up from Dave. This is part of the new Frisian collection. I already had Frisian Waving Steel, Frisian Pride and Frisian Elegance and I really liked their looks and how nice they grow and so I decided to add a few more :-) Looking forward so see them grow...
...See More
Yikes! Here We Go....Again! Please Help us Refresh this home
Q
Comments (18)
I don't think you can fit two sofas in the room with the TV. Place the TV and console in the same place the current owners had it. Then look for a sectional or one long sofa with floating chairs to use at either end. Make sure the seating stays in the main area of the room and not in the walkways (no chair by the stairs). I think painting before they move in makes a lot of sense as long as they choose neutral light colors. Narrow down your options though - you don't need 11 whites to choose from. I would look for a neutral warm white with the floors and fireplace and possible antiques, and paint the ceiling white like the trim.
...See More
Tipping question-here we go again!
Q
Comments (20)
Now I'm wondering if I've slighted someone ;0) I think I tend to tip fairly to generously, but do admit there are occasions where it just may not occur to me. DH will typically arrange for any auto service, retired now but worked 4 days a week for a few years, had a week day free and he would just walk across the street to Starbucks and wait - or have one of his coffee drinking friends pick him up. The last time I had a free ride from a dealer, I had dropped off my trade-in at one office of their ownership but my new car with papers yet to sign were at another about 8 miles away. They sent me to the second office in one of their cars with a 'boy', a lot boy I think - a teen, I'm sure not older. One who washes/details cars etc. It didn't occur to me to tip him. Now I'm thinking I should have.
...See More
Oh No! Here we go again! End of the line for roses in my gardens....
Q
Comments (17)
The old saying is to prune when the forsythia starts to bloom. That is a good indication that the soil has warmed up enough for the plants to start actively growing. Those tiny leaves you are getting now are coming from the energy in the canes that was stored last fall. It is not coming from the roots being able to begin to take up nutrients and feed the plant.
...See More
mowntx
Original Author
12 years ago
ok so... I guess I made it sound like I did really poor maint. I change the oil every season, airfilter as well. I normally leave it in a shed or under a tarp. The battery until a week ago was a agm(lasted 3 years, cost $78) , I just put a new battery in it to test. The oil from the change earlier this year still looks perfect. I am going to try and get it running. However in the mean time I bought a used with only 27 hours and less that one year old Country clipper Jazzee with a 20hp B&S and 38 inch deck. I got it for almost 1200 off what a new one would have cost so I think I did ok. This still has a joy stick, which is what I was used to... but also has their fabricated deck that slides out from under the mower for easy maintenance. This years mower would have had a khoelor(sorry for the spelling) which is probably and upg on my engine but for the difference it seemed like a no_brainer. So Rusty I totally understand your comments. While it had been in the rain plenty of times over it's lifetime, that was not the norm. The big question I need to find out is whether our dog, Ghost will approve... he likes to sit in front of me on the deck when I move it around the yard. He has done it since he was a puppy and now at 100 plus pounds he is fairly insistant. I dont mow with him tho since I am too afraid he would fall off, which means very bad things could happen.

Related Stories

DESIGNER SHOWCASES San Francisco Decorator Showcase: Happy Days Are Here Again

By Mary Jo Bowling

Creative ideas, bold colors and inventive materials abound under one (very large) roof

DECORATING GUIDES Houzz Tour: Happy Days Are Here Again in a Miami Apartment

By Becky Harris

The colors of Biscayne Bay, an owner’s fond memories and the groovy spirit of the 1970s inspire a bright redesign

MOVING Relocating? Here’s How to Make the Big Move Better

By Jennifer Phelps: Organize. Design. Reinvent!

Moving guide, Part 1: How to organize your stuff and your life for an easier household move

KITCHEN CABINETS Choosing New Cabinets? Here’s What to Know Before You Shop

By Ventana Construction LLC

Get the scoop on kitchen and bathroom cabinet materials and construction methods to understand your options

PETS Here’s How to Show Your Pet Even More Love

By Becky Harris

February 20 is Love Your Pet Day. Find all the ideas and inspiration you need to celebrate right here

GARDENING GUIDES Your Garden Is Stirring — Here’s What to Do in February

By Susan Haynes

February is a good time to start seeds, shape up shrubs and watch for the earliest blooms. Here’s what to do in your part of the U.S. now

LIFE Relocating? Here’s How to Make Moving In a Breeze

By Jennifer Phelps: Organize. Design. Reinvent!

Moving guide, Part 2: Helpful tips for unpacking, organizing and setting up your new home

MOST POPULAR Spring Gardens Are Blooming — Here’s What to Do in April

By Annie Thornton

Get the guide you need for gardening in your U.S. region, with tasks, climate-appropriate plantings and more

SPRING GARDENING Enjoy the Peak of Spring Gardening — Here’s What to Do in May

By Annie Thornton

Bid the frost farewell and treasure the blooms. No matter what U.S. region you’re in, one of these guides will help your garden flourish

STAIRWAYS Got Stairs? Here’s How to Choose the Right Runner for You

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Get the skinny on material selection, color and pattern, installation and more

Sponsored

More Discussions

Mower Blade rotation

1